Post by Admin on Sept 24, 2007 21:43:53 GMT -5
THE DEBATED FUTURE OF THE SANDUSKY RIVER
By Jason Trausch & Al Bach
The Sandusky River, one of Ohio’s 11 scenic rivers, has been in the news quite a bit recently, most notably from the ecological impact of the enormous tire fire in Sycamore, OH in August 1999. As reported in the November issue of OSN, after the fire was extinguished the toxins from the tires (that numbered in the millions) entered into nearby Sycamore Creek. The resulting dissolved oxygen crash snuffed out Sycamore Creek’s aquatic life, including what once was an excellent smallmouth bass fishery. Following this major tragedy the Sandusky River is back in the news, although in a more positive light from the perspective of anglers and all those who enjoy the natural beauty of this unique river.
The good news is that recently there has been discussion about removing two prominent dams on the Sandusky River – the Ballville dam in Fremont, and the St. John’s dam near McCutchenville. No doubt, many of our readers know the Sandusky River for its annual runs of walleye and white bass, but it has great smallmouth bass fishing as well. The Ohio Smallmouth Alliance is a strong supporter of these dam removal efforts and has voiced its support to local and state representatives. Removing these obsolete structures will revert more of this state scenic river to its natural state with great benefits to the many fish species that inhabit these waters.
EXHIBIT 1: ST. JOHN’S DAM
Public meetings were held in November & December to gauge public comment on the removal of the St. John’s dam – a lowhead dam near McCutchenville that dates back to the 1930s. About one hundred concerned people attended the last meeting hosted by State Representative Rex Damschroder including representatives from ODNR, COE, OEPA ,Ohio American Water Co., Campfire Boys & Girls, Walnut Grove Campground, the local fire department, Sandusky Coon Hunters Club and TOSA, represented by Jason Trausch.
This dam was recently declared unsafe by the Division of Water and requested that the owners (Ohio American Water Co.) repair the decaying dam within two years. The Water Co. explained that it would cost more to repair the dam ($300,000) than to remove it ($40,000). Also, company lawyers revealed that the dam is unable to provide the intended water supply to the city of Tiffin (as proven during the 1988 drought). A newer, larger dam located inside Tiffin along with deep wells provide an ample water supply for the city. As a result, the company recently offered to sell the dam for one dollar to anyone willing to assume liability and repairs.
Also in attendance at these meetings were Mike Wilkerson and John Dougherty of the ODNR's District 2 office. Wilkerson explained the benefits of dam removal on the entire ecosystem to several residents who voiced strong opinions that dam removal would hurt wildlife, scenic beauty and the Walnut Grove Campground business. The ODNR confirmed that the St. John’s dam backs up nearly 14 stream miles that leads to heavy algal blooms during summer. Further, the downstream area is the control’ section for the smallmouth bass special regs study and provides great smallie fishing due to the predominance of riffles, pools, runs and exposed bedrock boulders. The overall informal consensus of these public hearings was about 50/50, with all the opposing views confined to landowners directly above the dam. Currently, several of these landowners are weighing the possibility of forming a coalition to purchase the dam and ‘rescue’ it from destruction.
EXHIBIT 2: THE BALLVILLE DAM
Meanwhile, about 35 miles downstream the city of Fremont is proposing to build two upground reservoirs making the removal of the much larger Ballville Dam a possibility in the near future. The Ballville Dam is located 18 miles upstream of Sandusky Bay and serves as the primary blockage for upstream fish migration, including Lake Erie’s world-famous walleye which run the river each spring. Constructed in 1911, the dam impounds 89 acres of the Sandusky River and at 432 feet wide and 34 feet high is much larger than the St. John’s lowhead dam. The dam currently provides Fremont’s water supply, but the reservoir has lost over 40% of its capacity due to sedimentation. Furthermore, the remaining spawning area in Fremont is very small. It has been channelized and depleted due to heavy urbanization causing a 78% decline in the walleye catch since 1978.
Removal of the Ballville Dam will a have a tremendous impact on the ecosystem and community. The restoration of 22 miles of traditional spawning habitat for Lake Erie fish will increase sportsmen dollars in local communities as well as enhance the natural ecosystem. However, one particular issue of concern is that sediments trapped above the dam contain PCBs (carcinogens) and an extensive study must be conducted to determine what the impact will be. Obviously, public support is imperative for this or any dam removal and so far the general consensus for the Ballville Dam removal has been positive. Several possibilities for receiving financial assistance from large conservation organizations and federal departments have also added to the positive atmosphere.
In order to help gain public support, The Ohio Smallmouth Alliance recently prepared an informative paper on the many sound biological benefits of dam removal on the Sandusky River, as well as the historical significance of the river before damming. This paper is currently being distributed among local citizens, government officials, newspapers and conservation organizations in the immediate area and has received a very positive response.
A recent report entitled "Dam Removal Success Stories: Restoring Rivers Through Selective Removal of Dams That Don't Make Sense" explains many negative effects that dams have on streams, including:
blocked or reduced flows
reduced water levels
blocked fish passage
altered water temperatures
decreased oxygen levels
harm to aesthetics
This report also indicated that 39 dams have been removed in Ohio (23 since 1980). The report can be viewed at www.amrivers.org or www.tu.org.
In keeping with TOSA’s conservation ethic, we believe that the Sandusky River (and all Ohio streams) is at its best when permitted to flow in a natural state, especially when this flow is impeded by obsolete structures like the two dams in question. We’ll continue to keep you informed of these ‘dam’ developments.
By Jason Trausch & Al Bach
The Sandusky River, one of Ohio’s 11 scenic rivers, has been in the news quite a bit recently, most notably from the ecological impact of the enormous tire fire in Sycamore, OH in August 1999. As reported in the November issue of OSN, after the fire was extinguished the toxins from the tires (that numbered in the millions) entered into nearby Sycamore Creek. The resulting dissolved oxygen crash snuffed out Sycamore Creek’s aquatic life, including what once was an excellent smallmouth bass fishery. Following this major tragedy the Sandusky River is back in the news, although in a more positive light from the perspective of anglers and all those who enjoy the natural beauty of this unique river.
The good news is that recently there has been discussion about removing two prominent dams on the Sandusky River – the Ballville dam in Fremont, and the St. John’s dam near McCutchenville. No doubt, many of our readers know the Sandusky River for its annual runs of walleye and white bass, but it has great smallmouth bass fishing as well. The Ohio Smallmouth Alliance is a strong supporter of these dam removal efforts and has voiced its support to local and state representatives. Removing these obsolete structures will revert more of this state scenic river to its natural state with great benefits to the many fish species that inhabit these waters.
EXHIBIT 1: ST. JOHN’S DAM
Public meetings were held in November & December to gauge public comment on the removal of the St. John’s dam – a lowhead dam near McCutchenville that dates back to the 1930s. About one hundred concerned people attended the last meeting hosted by State Representative Rex Damschroder including representatives from ODNR, COE, OEPA ,Ohio American Water Co., Campfire Boys & Girls, Walnut Grove Campground, the local fire department, Sandusky Coon Hunters Club and TOSA, represented by Jason Trausch.
This dam was recently declared unsafe by the Division of Water and requested that the owners (Ohio American Water Co.) repair the decaying dam within two years. The Water Co. explained that it would cost more to repair the dam ($300,000) than to remove it ($40,000). Also, company lawyers revealed that the dam is unable to provide the intended water supply to the city of Tiffin (as proven during the 1988 drought). A newer, larger dam located inside Tiffin along with deep wells provide an ample water supply for the city. As a result, the company recently offered to sell the dam for one dollar to anyone willing to assume liability and repairs.
Also in attendance at these meetings were Mike Wilkerson and John Dougherty of the ODNR's District 2 office. Wilkerson explained the benefits of dam removal on the entire ecosystem to several residents who voiced strong opinions that dam removal would hurt wildlife, scenic beauty and the Walnut Grove Campground business. The ODNR confirmed that the St. John’s dam backs up nearly 14 stream miles that leads to heavy algal blooms during summer. Further, the downstream area is the control’ section for the smallmouth bass special regs study and provides great smallie fishing due to the predominance of riffles, pools, runs and exposed bedrock boulders. The overall informal consensus of these public hearings was about 50/50, with all the opposing views confined to landowners directly above the dam. Currently, several of these landowners are weighing the possibility of forming a coalition to purchase the dam and ‘rescue’ it from destruction.
EXHIBIT 2: THE BALLVILLE DAM
Meanwhile, about 35 miles downstream the city of Fremont is proposing to build two upground reservoirs making the removal of the much larger Ballville Dam a possibility in the near future. The Ballville Dam is located 18 miles upstream of Sandusky Bay and serves as the primary blockage for upstream fish migration, including Lake Erie’s world-famous walleye which run the river each spring. Constructed in 1911, the dam impounds 89 acres of the Sandusky River and at 432 feet wide and 34 feet high is much larger than the St. John’s lowhead dam. The dam currently provides Fremont’s water supply, but the reservoir has lost over 40% of its capacity due to sedimentation. Furthermore, the remaining spawning area in Fremont is very small. It has been channelized and depleted due to heavy urbanization causing a 78% decline in the walleye catch since 1978.
Removal of the Ballville Dam will a have a tremendous impact on the ecosystem and community. The restoration of 22 miles of traditional spawning habitat for Lake Erie fish will increase sportsmen dollars in local communities as well as enhance the natural ecosystem. However, one particular issue of concern is that sediments trapped above the dam contain PCBs (carcinogens) and an extensive study must be conducted to determine what the impact will be. Obviously, public support is imperative for this or any dam removal and so far the general consensus for the Ballville Dam removal has been positive. Several possibilities for receiving financial assistance from large conservation organizations and federal departments have also added to the positive atmosphere.
In order to help gain public support, The Ohio Smallmouth Alliance recently prepared an informative paper on the many sound biological benefits of dam removal on the Sandusky River, as well as the historical significance of the river before damming. This paper is currently being distributed among local citizens, government officials, newspapers and conservation organizations in the immediate area and has received a very positive response.
A recent report entitled "Dam Removal Success Stories: Restoring Rivers Through Selective Removal of Dams That Don't Make Sense" explains many negative effects that dams have on streams, including:
blocked or reduced flows
reduced water levels
blocked fish passage
altered water temperatures
decreased oxygen levels
harm to aesthetics
This report also indicated that 39 dams have been removed in Ohio (23 since 1980). The report can be viewed at www.amrivers.org or www.tu.org.
In keeping with TOSA’s conservation ethic, we believe that the Sandusky River (and all Ohio streams) is at its best when permitted to flow in a natural state, especially when this flow is impeded by obsolete structures like the two dams in question. We’ll continue to keep you informed of these ‘dam’ developments.